Most writers struggle to use the time they have – usually limited amount of time – to write.

I’m definitely one of them.

Sometimes it’s helpful to write down a list of what is actually stopping you from writing your book. Then right under the obstacle that you see is getting in your way, write down a way to solve it.

Read more below about 3 common lies that many writers deal with that can stop you from writing, and how to get rid of them…

3 Lies That STOP You from Writing (and how to get rid of them)…

In my journey as a writer, there’s been so many times that I’ve told myself things that were based on my feelings at the time, but weren’t actually true.

Do any of these thoughts go through your mind when you sit down to write? It’s all been written before; I don’t think my writing is good enough; people will judge and criticize me if I write this, or I just don’t know where to go next in my story.

If you can relate to any of the above, just know that you’re not alone. I’ve had to deal with each of the above untruths. And I can tell you from experience, that when you believe those lies, it will sabotage your writing. It will slow you down and might even stop you from getting your work done.

That’s why I decided to write about 3 of these common lies writers face, so we can banish them once and for all. 🙂

1. “If I write anything, I will fail and end up looking foolish.”

Fear of failure is something that many writers feel when they first start writing. But here’s something interesting I’ve heard from bestselling authors: Even after 20 books, I still fear the blank page.

This fear tries to prod you to stop writing anything. Some anxiety and fear is a normal part of every writer’s life.

Something helpful to try: Try to imagine what your best writing life. Visualize your books on Amazon, Kobo, Apple and other digital retailers. This will inspire you. Next, just focus on writing in small increments. For example write only 10 minutes or 250 words a day. Just enough to inspire you to do it again. It is a simple(but not easy) truth that the more you put writing into your everyday life, the more that you’ll be able to stick with it.

Joining a writer’s group on Facebook or even if they have one in your home town, is super helpful. I’m part of the Writing Gals Facebook group, and it’s been motivating. Most of the writers there are clean/sweet romance authors, but if you’re interested, click here and ask to join!

Also listening to feedback from other authors does help you understand your work better and how to become a better writer. For example, in March as I finished final edits for my pen name romance book, I learned from my editor how to write in my romance using active voice instead of passive voice. So getting feedback from other writers, readers or from editors is all helpful.

 

2. “It’s all been written before.”

With so many books out there in the world, it’s easy to convince yourself that there’s nothing new you could offer readers. Maybe you believe that there’s nothing you could add to the conversation that hasn’t been said even better by another writer.

Something helpful to try: When it comes to writing fiction, most writers do follow well known story structure. And that’s great… it’s what readers love.

Yet, it’s important to remember that even if someone else had a similar story idea and a similar book  written, it still isn’t a book written by you.

You bring a uniqueness that’s rare…  from your life experiences, your perspective and your worldview. It’s your authentic voice that brings your characters and story to life that will be rare and unlike any other book out there.

 

3. “I feel stuck. I just don’t know where to go next in the story.”

There are time when we just don’t know where the story is going. At least this happens to me. Maybe you have the first chapters figured out, and you have an idea of where you’ll end up, but the middle feels a little messy.

Something helpful to try: If you don’t know exactly what to say, then just write a summary of where you feel the story should go next. Write about what you feel should be happening and write about something that will move the story along, without worrying about how to say it.

Tell your story instead of showing it. For instance: Here in the story I want to add a scene where my Hero tells the Heroine that he’s scared to fall in love. Insert some sort of dialogue that hints at the betrayal of his ex-fiance. The heroine didn’t realize the hero had been betrayed. Now the heroine finally understands a little more why he’s been standoffish to her…

So basically, you’re writing about where you want to go next in the story. This is still writing, it’s just not the action-packed active voice that you want your final draft to be written in. If you need to write more “telling” summary so you can move forward in your story, than go for it. This will help you understand where you’re going next in the story.

I hope the three examples above, have helped you reframe those fears.

What is really important is that you keep writing. Focus on the reward you’ll receive from getting your book into the world, instead of focusing on fear.

This will help you push past the fear and get back to writing.

When you finish your timed writing session for the day or reach your word count, do something – even if it’s small – to celebrate. Savor the fact that you wrote today, even if it’s something as simple as having your favorite cup of tea. And if you did it once, you can do it again!

 

What lies/myths do you tell yourself about writing? What are your ideas on how to push past resistance and write?  Please share your thoughts below 🙂